Album: R&B Collaborations

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A spin on the standard compilation album, R&B Collaborations features two disks of R&B and hip hop releases from artists who have joined forces in the hopes of making stand out tracks. The 38 singles aren’t in chronological order and range from old skool favourites like Blackstreet’s No Diggity to recent hits like 50 Cent’s Ayo Technology. Mostly the double CD is upbeat, maintaining a party up vibe throughout.

Stand out tracks include the most successful song of 2007, Rihanna’s Umbrella, which spent six consecutive weeks at the top of the Australian charts. Another is the unconventional collaboration of Kanye West’s Stronger which features Daft Punk who clearly makes the song. And of course the compilation would not be complete without the golden touch of the most famous collaborator in the business, Timberland. The man who sky rocketed the careers of Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado is sprinkled throughout. His name appears in at least six tracks and deservedly so.

There are some interesting choices considering the outstanding results from talented artists working together in the hip hop world throughout the years. For example, 2pac’s California Love cemented his place as one of the best rappers of all time, but although remarkable, Ghetto Gospel with Elton John might not be held as highly. How Do You Want It with K-Ci & JoJo or 2 of America’s Most Wanted with Snoop made more of a splash in their day. Gwen Stefani is a talented and unique artist but might not really merit a place on an R&B compilation. Also Akon has a much more impressive body of work to select from than Sweet Escape. Christina Milian’s Say I and LL Cool J’s Hush are examples of tracks that are relatively unknown compared to others on the record. If LL is going to appear the obvious choice is Hey Lover with Boyz II Men.

It’s surprising that Warren G and Nate Dogg’s Regulate is missing as well as any single from Dr Dre’s Chronic 2001 which has so many artists featured it is essentially a collaboration album on its own. There’s also no sign of Aaliyah, Timberland’s first real success and undoubtedly one of the best female artists to have ever graced the R&B scene. Nevertheless it is a well-rounded compilation with a good range of artists, some singles classics and others surprises. Good record for a laid back house party where peeps can sing along or reminisce, without needing to skip too many tracks.